Even with a positive result in its 19th Asian Games debut, the Filipinas feel they could still get better as they chase for a spot in the knockout round on Monday against Group E top seed Korea Republic at the Wenzhou Sports Center.
Late goals from FIFA Women’s World Cup veterans Quinley Quezada and Katrina Guillou lifted the Filipinas to a 3-1 win over Hong Kong after Sarina Bolden’s ninth minute penalty was cancelled out by Cheung Wai-ki’s long range strike last Friday night.
Also bannered by the core of its FWWC squad, Korea opened the tournament with a 4-0 demolition of Myanmar. Only the top team in the five groups and the three best second placers qualify for the quarterfinals.
Facing a compact Hong Kong defense, the Filipinas needed to find another gear to get maximum points as they struggled to create opportunities early on in coach Mark Torcaso’s first match in charge.
But Torcaso was quick to credit the team’s grit and character as the Filipinas carved out the late goals and added they will need more of that inspiring peformance against a Korean side that forced a 1-1 draw with Germany in FIFA Women’s World Cup last July. Korea also beat the Philippines, 2-0, in the semifinals of the Women’s AFC Asian Cup last year.
“We’re just finding our feet with each other as a playing group and as a staff so obviously there are challenges but the players are really adapting on how we want to play,” said Torcaso. “At the same time, we’re also understanding that it is going to take a little bit of time. As a group, everyone is buying in with what we want to do.”
The Filipinas will be the heavy underdogs against the Koreans.
“There is no doubt Korea that are a top side,” said Torcaso. “They’re very good in possession, but there are small gaps that we can expose and if we do it right, we’ll get our chance. But we also have to be very disciplined and be smart tactically.”